Christmas is without doubt one of the most hectic times of the year, despite a build-up that seems to get longer each year most of us still get caught up in that pre-Christmas rush. Many of us are also familiar with that strange lull after Christmas Day when things slow down. You’re not sure what day or date it is, no-one knows what’s on TV or even what’s happening in the outside world. It’s the closest thing to purgatory we’ll probably ever experience in our life. This year SuperValu Getaway Breaks has complied a Christmas list with a difference. We have decided to bring you a list of things to do around Ireland after Christmas Day as well as source some of the best places you can stay if you are looking to book a last minute hotel stay.
Ice Ice Baby
Ice skating has become a regular fixture for many in the pre-Christmas celebrations. With the various Ice Rinks now remaining open well past December 25th it is the perfect way to ease yourself back into getting active with minimal effort. A great activity for all including the smallest family members, it’s just a case of wrapping up warm and get going. There are a host of venues throughout Ireland any of which are worth a visit. These include:
Dublin
- Swords On Ice (Runs until January 15th, 2023)
- Ice Skating Blanchardstown (Runs until January 29th, 2023)
- Dundrum on Ice (Runs until January 29th, 2023)
Where to stay: Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown, Green Isle Hotel, Clayton Hotel Leopardstown. See availability here.
Limerick
- Limerick on Ice (Runs until January 8th, 2023)
Where to stay: Clayton Hotel Limerick, Reads Park Holiday Home. See availability here.
Cork
- Cork Alpine Skate Trail (Runs until January 29th, 2023)
Where to stay: Cork International Hotel, The Metropole Hotel. See availability here.
Wexford
- Wexford on Ice (Runs until January 8th, 2023)
Light Up, Light Up
Ireland has really embraced the power of light in recent years with extravagant light shows and illumination art events popping up through the darker Autumn and Winter months. This includes three great light shows in Ireland’s Ancient East regions, ideal if you're staying in any hotels in the Dublin, Meath or Westmeath area.
Land of Light - Westmeath
Belvedere House in Mullingar, Westmeath will be running their amazing Land of Light show on the banks of Lough Ennell. This magical event includes a selection of highlights such as Laser Light Show, Jealous Wall, Animal Farm and Tunnel Lights. If you are staying with any of the wonderful hotels in the midlands or even within driving distance this event is a must. Land of Lights will run until January 3rd, 2023. More info here
Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo - Dublin
Another much loved event of the winter calendar is the Wild Lights at Dublin Zoo. When usual animal residences are settling down for the night Dublin Zoo come alive again as night falls with a stunning lanterns and lights. This year’s theme is The Magic of Life and is a guaranteed winner every year. More info here.
The Enchanted Garden - Meath
What better way to celebrate the New Year than in the historical settings of Loughcrew in Co Meath. Co Meath is awash with rich historical landmarks and Loughcrew is certainly one of the many highlights in the region. This Christmas and New Year’s period Loughcrew Estate will be welcoming visitors as part of the Enchanted Garden – Loughcrew’s Celtic Myths and Legends Lightshow. Take the chance to discover the gods and legends of Celtic mythology and the magic that surrounds them. Take in the amazing visual light show and artworks, which make the most of the beautiful natural surroundings of Loughcrew Estate and become part of the adventure with a number of interactive displays. More info here.
Countdown
Staying with the theme of New Years there is one show that will trump all others when it comes to saying goodbye to 2022 and kicking off 2023..
NYF Dublin
ITS BACK! The New Year’s Festival Dublin returns after a two-year gap with quite possibly their most anticipated line up of events ever. The NYF Dublin will be bringing their Brighter Futures Midnight Moment – Matinee from 4pm to 7pm on New Year’s Eve. This event is ideal for everyone but might suit families and younger audiences who may struggle to keep their eyes open until past midnight.
The early show boasts the fantastic Gavin James as the headline act with support from Cork native Lyra and up and coming singer songwriter Brad Heidi and it is sure to hit.
Gavin James and Lyra will return to the stage later in the night for the main event. James and Lyra will be supporting one of Ireland’s most successful music acts, Westlife.
If you’re unable to make the celebrations on New Year’s Eve, no need to fret! This year, the celebrations will continue onto January 1st at Meeting House Square, Temple Bar. This is a free, family friendly event and will include a host of musical entertainers as well as marching bands and street performers and is guaranteed to be another great day out. More info here.
Where to stay: The Morrison Hotel, Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown, Kingswood Hotel Cit
